Several tax credits for energy efficient home improvements are still available ~ but homeowners need to hurry as these credits are set to expire December 31st and Congress has yet to renew them for 2012.

"Making efficiency improvements this year will lower home energy bills and improve home comfort for years to come, while also reducing 2011 federal income tax bills," Kateri Callahan, president of the Alliance to Save Energy.

The allowance for the tax credits that home owners may be eligible for include:

• 10% of the cost of insulation and sealing materials, exterior doors and certain types of energy efficient roofs.
• 10% of the cost, up to $200, of exterior windows or skylights.
• $300 for electric heat pump water heaters, electric heat pumps, central air conditioners, biomass stoves and natural gas, propane or oil water heaters.
• $50 for advanced main air circulating fans.
• $150 for natural gas, propane, oil furnace or hot water boilers.

For more information about applying for these tax credits, visit the Alliance to Save Energy website.

Money Magazine, in conjunction with CNN, has just announced their Top 100 Towns in their annual "Best Places to Live" issue (September 2011).  Mason's top performing school district, low crime rate, proximity to Cincinnati and abundant recreational opportunities placed it 24th on the list.  See full text of article and stats here. 

Though the article's writer places the median home value at $350,000 in mid-2011, you need not spend that much to take advantage of all Mason has to offer.  There are many lesser priced, more affordable opportunities available under $200,000.    HHB Partners has one such listing ~ 1480 St Lawrence Drive priced at a very affordable $149,900 and features 4 bedrooms, 1 full bath, 1 partial bath, welcoming front porch, large back yard and convenient Mason location.  A great value in the 24th Best Place to Live!

Hey, Anderson Township residents!  Our area's record rainfall in April likely kept many of you indoors spring cleaning basements, attics, garages, kids' rooms and the ever popular "kitchen junk drawer".   Now what to do with all that stuff?

Anderson Twp is hosting Recycling Days this weekend ~ proof of Anderson Twp residency required.

Date:  Friday, May 13th, 8 AM - 5 PM/Saturday, May 14th, 8 AM - 1 PM

Location:  7954 Beechmont Avenue

Need more info? Contact Betty Cowan (or 513-688-8400) or check out the do's and don'ts here.